Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 18/01) - An RCMP officer serving with G Division has been suspended for allegedly mishandling police exhibits and conduct unbecoming a member of the RCMP.

"An allegation was made and as a result of that allegation an internal investigation is being done," explained Staff Sgt. Tom Raine.

"As a result of part of that internal investigation it was in the best interest of the RCMP to suspend the member."

The RCMP will not release the name of the officer for reasons involving the federal privacy act, Raine said, but he did confirm the complaint was out of Yellowknife.

"These are only allegations and that does not mean there is any substance to them at all," said Raine.

"Realistically speaking I would anticipate some sort of closure to this by the end of August or September.... We are going to take the time to thoroughly investigate it."

The internal investigation is being led by RCMP out of Edmonton since the internal investigations position in Yellowknife is currently vacant.

Depending on the level of seriousness, the investigation may result in the officer going before services court -- a formal process within the RCMP -- which is open to the public.

The officer has been suspended with pay.